Free Town Hall Meeting On Concussions Feb. 16 at Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn

Dave Silbar, Community Contributor

More than four million boys and girls participate in contact sports in U.S. secondary schools each year, while millions more play in organized youth leagues outside of school. Many suffer concussions while playing football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and a myriad of other sports, but nobody knows the exact number of these devastating head injuries because they are often dismissed as simple bumps to the head.

“Parents and athletes -- especially young ones -- need to take every jolt to the head seriously,” says Roy Kessel, President of Sports Brain, LLC, a Chicago-based group that focuses on concussion management and cognitive development.

Kessel will lead a presentation on concussions followed by a panel discussion on Saturday, February 16, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn, 2211 Waukegan Rd.

The event is complimentary, open to the public, and will feature former professional athletes, including Corbin Bryant of the Buffalo Bills and former player and incoming President of the Retired Professional Football Players of Chicago Marques Sullivan, discussing this important issue.

Free baseline testing will be provided for all attendees. Baseline tests are designed to assess your child’s balance and brain function and are used and compared to a similar exam conducted by a health care professional during the season if an athlete has a suspected concussion.

“When the signs and symptoms of concussion are evident, great caution should be employed before making a decision to return to play,” says Kessel. “This decision should be made by a physician who is not affiliated with the team or the school and who has training in concussion management.”

To reserve your spot, email Daniela Spaid at Daniela.spaid@midtown.com. For more information on this free event, call Midtown Athletic Club at (847) 945-1818 or visit www.midtown.com/bannockburn.